The RMI’s CEO, Jakkie Olivier, explains why the Organisation has embraced change as a strategic imperative and why it has adopted transformation as a necessity…
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word transform as “the activity to change the form of something – to completely change the appearance or character of something, especially so that it is better.”
The RMI, being a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, continuously searches for opportunities to change for the better and to remain relevant, dynamic and professional as the leading business voice in the automotive aftermarket. Accordingly, we have embraced change as a strategic imperative and have adopted transformation as a necessity.
With a view to adding value well into the future, the RMI recently established a Transformation Committee structure with very specific objectives, which include providing direction, guidance and support to members and the automotive industry at large on matters affecting transformation. In this respect, the RMI is set to pursue a transformation agenda that is broad-based, sustainable and aligned to the principles of economic empowerment.
Some of the objectives that will actively be pursued to drive and guide transformation across the automotive aftermarket include:
- Identifying and establishing enterprise development projects and programmes;
- Designing and implementing specific transformation initiatives;
- Investigating and analysing transformation barriers and the implementation of strategies to address those barriers;
- Assisting businesses to become transformation compliant with regard to legislative requirements;
- Promoting, monitoring and analysing B-BBEE statuses and assisting industry with consultation and verification services to become compliant;
- Engaging stakeholders with regard to financial support, coaching and mentoring services for small business operators and entrepreneurs;
- Facilitating appropriate and relevant training and skills development programmes;
- Assisting and developing business candidates and start-ups into stable and sustainable business propositions (businesses to migrate from the informal to the formal mainstream economy);
- Identifying and implementing strategic partnerships; and
- Improving trading conditions for black business entrepreneurs.
The RMI recognises that skills development, employment equity and B-BBEE in South Africa forms part of a legislative environment that requires business participation and compliance.
The transformation initiatives and structures have been established to drive the strategic objectives of the RMI in accordance with the National Growth Plan (NGP) – and the Organisation therefore supports NGP principles as a driver of change and contributor to economic growth within the broader South African context.
Through our initiatives and focused approach, we envisage the RMI to substantially contribute towards the creation of jobs; the establishment of new small business entrepreneurs and the comprehensive upliftment of skills. We believe the role the Organisation will play will have a positive impact on the economy by promoting a balanced demographic representation of businesses in the country’s automotive industry.
Given the RMI’s aforementioned initiatives, transformation is not only about B-BBEE and compliance. However, the topic of B-BBEE and its broader importance and application is still topical in the business environment.
There seems to be major uncertainty about the new B-BBEE Codes and its application. The RMI, inclusive it its transformation initiatives, and in close liaison with our B-BBEE joint venture and preferred service provider, also provides interpretation and guidance to its members on an ongoing basis.